National M&M Day is an annual celebration honoring the iconic candy-coated chocolate treats that have been delighting people since 1941. It’s a day dedicated to enjoying and appreciating these colorful, melt-in-your-mouth candies that have become a global snack sensation.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: October 13th annually
- Tagged as: Food Holiday, Candy Celebration
- Hashtag: #NationalMMDay
- Founded: Unofficial holiday celebrating M&M’s history
- Founder: Inspired by Mars Company’s creation of M&M’s
History of M&M’s
The story of M&M’s began during the Spanish Civil War when Forrest Mars Sr. observed soldiers eating chocolate pellets with a hard sugar coating. Inspired by this, he developed a chocolate candy that wouldn’t melt easily. In 1941, M&M’s were born, initially created as military rations during World War II.
Timeline of M&M’s
- 1941: M&M’s first produced in Newark, New Jersey
- 1954: Peanut M&M’s introduced
- 1976: Red M&M’s temporarily removed
- 1987: Red M&M’s reintroduced
- 1995: Blue M&M’s added to the color lineup
- 2003: M&M’s sold in over 100 countries
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | October 13 | Sunday |
| 2025 | October 13 | Monday |
| 2026 | October 13 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | October 13 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | October 13 | Friday |
Observed Traditions
- Enjoying M&M’s candies
- Baking with M&M’s
- Hosting M&M-themed parties
- Trying different M&M flavors
Fun Facts
- The “M&M” stands for Mars and Murrie
- A traditional milk chocolate M&M weighs about 0.91 grams
- There are over 40 different M&M flavors worldwide
- M&M’s were the first candy to go to space in 1981
Quiz
- When were M&M’s first created?
- Who invented M&M’s?
- What does “M&M” stand for?
Answers: 1. 1941, 2. Forrest Mars Sr., 3. Mars and Murrie
FAQs
Q: Are all M&M colors the same flavor?
A: Yes, all M&M’s of the same variety have the same chocolate flavor.
Q: How many M&M flavors exist?
A: There are over 40 different flavors globally, including classics like milk chocolate and unique varieties like birthday cake.
Importance
National M&M Day celebrates a beloved candy that has been part of American culture for over 80 years, bringing joy to millions and evolving with creative new flavors and colors.
Related Holidays
- World Chocolate Day
- National Chocolate Day
- National Candy Day